Alton convicted murderer: ‘I feel as if there was a lot of errors in my trial’

Sanford J. Schmidt, sschmidt@thetelegraph.com

Published
12:37 pm CDT, Wednesday, October 31, 2018

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Alton convicted murderer: ‘I feel as if there was a lot of errors in my trial’

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EDWARDSVILLE — A convicted murderer who was repeatedly warned of the risks of representing himself is now asking for a lawyer.

Vincent Gordon, 35, of Alton, has written from the Madison County Jail to Judge Richard Tognarelli asking for “a much needed lawyer for my post-conviction proceedings.”

Gordon was convicted Oct. 23 of killing Derrick Vaughn, 28, and Elijah Ingram, 30, both of Alton, May 21 in the 3100 block of Lawn Street, in the Alton Acres public housing complex. He faces a mandatory life sentence because he murdered two people.

Throughout the trial, Gordon was reminded by the judge that he must obey the rules of evidence, even though he represented himself. He will not be allowed to asked for a new trial based on ineffective counsel.

During his closing argument, prosecutors repeatedly objected to statements Gordon made, which were not brought into evidence during testimony. He said he could prove his innocence, if allowed to bring in the evidence. The judge admonished him that he was warned of the risks of representing himself.

“If I would have known the rules of the courtroom and all its proceeding in which establishes truth or evidence or innocence (clear and convincing evidence) I would not be here,” Gordon wrote to the judge. He is in the Madison County Jail awaiting sentencing.

“I feel as if there was a lot of errors in my trial, and I do not no how to go about moving on with my post-conviction proceedings (and I’m asking for hep today 10/24/18). I need a lawyer’s help?” Gordon wrote.

A jury found Gordon guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, a count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and escape. He was in a card game with three other people in the 3100 block of Lawn Street. Prosecutors said the two victims were killed “over a silly little argument.” Gordon was on parole when the shooting occurred but cut a Department of Corrections ankle bracelet off.

Gordon was out on parole as a result of a July 17, 2015, shooting at The C&M Lounge in Venice. He and his younger brother Vontarious Gordon were charged with aggravated battery with a firearm. Vincent Gordon pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections in the Venice shooting. His brother pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Gordon also has convictions for robbery, probation violation and reckless homicide.